Benitez hails Reds after bounce back

Rafael Benitez saluted Liverpool after they bounced back from a disastrous defeat at Manchester United to end Aston Villa's unbeaten run with a 3-1 Anfield victory.

The Liverpool chief has come in for some criticism from within his own boardroom, but said: "After what happened at Old Trafford we had to show people we have good players here.

"The first half was as good as anything we have produced this season, apart maybe for the first 30 minutes against Galatasaray. We started with a high tempo and maintained it. And the players were able to give the fans what they wanted."

He added: "The players were able to enjoy their skills and they came in at half-time knowing they had played well.

"The second half was a little more difficult, Villa came back at us, but we were able to control the situation and make sure we took the points.

"Basically the players enjoy being able to show people what they can do. We showed we have quality and if we can play consistently like we played in this game then I believe we will soon be much higher in the table.

"This win will give us more confidence going into the Champions League game against Bordeaux on Tuesday. The lads knew they were reaching the right levels."

Liverpool, though, have doubts about the fitness of Mohamed Sissoko and Steven Gerrard, who both picked up ankle injuries in the second half.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill accepted his side were outplayed in the first half, but hailed their brave comeback after the break.

He said: "We were a bit in awe of the situation. Liverpool played very well in the first half, but we contributed to that. We didn't get close enough to them and they punished us, like a very good side will do."